We sense the nature: the effect of weather sensitivity and walking in nature on the psychophysiological response to stress in individuals with coronary artery disease
Le résumé fourni par la source
Both physiological and psychological stress are associated with numerous conditions bearing systemic consequences. The link between stress, challenging environmental exposures and psycho-physiological responses is increasingly evidenced in literature. Notably, stress significantly influences processes that underline the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Compared to urban environments, natural settings generally promote faster recovery from stress and mental fatigue, but they are not always restorative. Changes in weather parameters can adversely affect hemodynamics and other factors, potentially triggering acute coronary syndromes. However, limited knowledge exists about the restorative or aggravating effects of natural environments (compared to urban environments) on weather-sensitive individuals. To address this gap, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with individuals with CAD attending cardiac rehabilitation. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to investigate the stress response of individuals with CAD to walking exercises in different environments. In addition, we aim to assess the importance of weather sensitivity (WS) profiles in the investigated settings. Attendees of the symposia will have the opportunity to view the preliminary results of our study, which involved 143 individuals with CAD (mean age 57±9 years; 21% women) undergoing rehabilitation. Data were collected on demographics, WS, functional capacity, personality traits, mental health, cognitive function, and basal cortisol levels (measured in saliva). Participants were randomly assigned to either outdoor or indoor walking. Hemodynamic parameters, cortisol levels, and mood were recorded during the experiment, and a cold stress test was conducted.
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